Simple Chicken Tacos are one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, easy, and delicious. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. The best part is that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something amazing. Just a few staples like chicken, tortillas, and spices can come together to make a meal everyone will enjoy.
Perfect for Everyone
What I love most about these Simple Chicken Tacos is their versatility. You can customize them to fit everyone’s taste. Add some fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or shredded cheese to make them your own. If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a lifesaver because everyone can choose their favorite toppings.
Quick and Easy Preparation
The beauty of Simple Chicken Tacos is how quickly they come together. With a bit of prep and a skillet, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses simple, flavorful seasonings to make the chicken taste incredible without needing hours of marinating. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time to make something tasty.
Great for Leftovers
If you’re like me and love meals that stretch, these Simple Chicken Tacos are even better the next day. The seasoned chicken can be repurposed into a taco bowl, salad, or even quesadillas. It’s a recipe that works hard for you, making it perfect for busy weeks when you need flexibility in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Simple Chicken Tacos
- Uniform Chicken Slices: Thin, evenly-sized chicken slices cook more quickly and uniformly. This ensures juicy, tender meat every time.
- Preheat the Skillet: Always heat your skillet before adding the chicken. This helps sear the chicken for extra flavor.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Prepare the seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for future use. It’s a versatile mix that works well with other dishes like roasted vegetables or shrimp.
- Perfect Tortilla Warm-Up: For pliable tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Rest and Develop Flavors: Let the chicken rest after seasoning to absorb the spices fully. Similarly, refrigerate the cole slaw for at least 30 minutes to enhance its tangy flavor.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the chipotle chili flakes and Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. Add more for a fiery kick or less for a milder taste.
- Crispier Cole Slaw: To keep the cabbage extra crunchy, dress it just before serving.
Simple Chicken Tacos
Discover the ultimate gluten-free chicken tacos that bring vibrant Mexican flavors right to your kitchen! Perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh tomatoes, crunchy cole slaw, and a kick of spicy sour cream come together to create a satisfying and healthy main course. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these easy-to-make tacos are sure to impress with their bold taste and customizable toppings. Embrace the joy of cooking with this delicious recipe that combines simplicity and nutrition without compromising on flavor. Get ready to wow your family and friends with these mouthwatering gluten-free tacos!
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tacos15
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minutes450
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Ingredients
- Taco Seasoning
1 tsp chipotle chili flakes adjust to your heat preference
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dehydrated onion powder
1 tsp minced garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp cornstarch
- Chicken:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or substitute with canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon additional gluten-free taco seasoning optional
- Cole Slaw:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
4 ounces finely shredded red cabbage
- Spicy Sour Cream:
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- For Serving:
15 small gluten-free corn tortillas
1 large tomato diced and seeded (optional)
2 ounces Cotija cheese crumbled (optional)
Additional Sriracha for drizzling optional
1 lime sliced into wedges (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chipotle Chili Pepper: Substitute with smoked paprika or regular chili powder for less heat.
Grapeseed Oil: Use canola vegetable, or peanut oil as alternatives.
Cornstarch: Replace with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Sriracha: Substitute with hot sauce of your choice or omit for a milder taste.
Cotija Cheese: Use feta or queso fresco as alternatives.
Directions
- Prepare Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chipotle chili flakes, sea salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly mixed. Set this flavorful seasoning aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips, approximately 1/8 inch thick and 1 to 2 inches long. Place the chicken slices in a medium mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the prepared taco seasoning. Toss the chicken until each piece is well-coated. If desired, sprinkle an additional tablespoon of seasoning for extra flavor. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the grapeseed oil in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan, spreading the pieces out to allow even cooking. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove the cover, stir the chicken, and flip the pieces to ensure even browning. Replace the cover and continue to cook for another 3 minutes. For added flavor, sprinkle a quarter teaspoon of taco seasoning over the chicken, stir briefly, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Make the Cole Slaw: In a medium mixing bowl, blend the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and sea salt until smooth. Add the shredded red cabbage to the dressing and toss thoroughly to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated. Refrigerate the cole slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to soften.
- Prepare Spicy Sour Cream: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and Sriracha until well combined. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to taste for your desired spice level. Set aside until ready to use.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the gluten-free corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the cooked chicken, top with a spoonful of cole slaw, a sprinkle of Cotija cheese, and a drizzle of spicy sour cream. Add optional toppings like diced tomatoes, additional Sriracha, and lime wedges for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free chicken tacos!
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Nonstick Pan
- instant read thermometer
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 1500IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Simple Chicken Tacos
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a little longer to cook.
How do I make these tacos dairy-free?
Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and swap the Cotija cheese for a dairy-free cheese or leave it out altogether.
Can I prep these tacos in advance for meal prepping?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and cole slaw ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the chicken when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
What other vegetables can I add to the tacos?
You can add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even grilled zucchini for more texture and flavor. Consider adding some fresh greens like spinach or arugula for added nutrition.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make it milder, reduce the amount of chipotle chili flakes in the taco seasoning and the Sriracha in the spicy sour cream. Alternatively, add extra chili for more heat.
